Chapters 17-18, The Choice, and The Loss Summary

There is a rustling in the bushes and suddenly Ellidyr appears. He tells them that he has been looking for the marshes and has been chased by both Huntsmen and gwythaints. They give him food, and Taran tells him about the cauldron, asking for his help to get it out of the river. Ellidyr is furious that Taran has stolen his honor again. He refuses to help.

Suddenly, three gwythaints swoop down and spot the cauldron. Without attacking, they fly off. They are taking news of the cauldron to Arawn, and Taran knows they need to hurry. He asks for Ellidyr's help again, but Ellidyr says he will only help if Taran pays a price. He wants Taran and the others to tell Gwydion that Ellidyr was the one who found...